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Regents chair resigns, cites 'disrespect'

Gary Sherrer, the chairman of the Kansas Board of Regents, announced his resignation Wednesday, citing an an "atmosphere of mutual disrespect" on the board that oversees the six state-funded colleges and universities.

The chairman of the Kansas Board of Regents resigned Wednesday while declaring an "atmosphere of mutual disrespect" had emerged on the higher education governance board regarding his leadership.

Gary Sherrer, a former Kansas lieutenant governor and an appointee of Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, pointed to philosophical differences between himself and other board members.

"I believe regents have a responsibility to aggressively seek and implement changes required to provide a competitive, high quality 21st century system of higher education," he said in a statement. "Some board members have opposed this philosophy and prefer a more laissez-faire approach to governance."

Sherrer, of Overland Park, said some board members had made these issues personal and allowed personal feelings to influence them when making board decisions.

He expressed disappointment in not being asked to chair the search committee for a new president at Emporia State University but didn't identify board members whom he believes contributed to internal tension. He is a graduate of ESU.

"There now exists an atmosphere of mutual disrespect and distrust between many board members and myself," he said. "This negative relationship is not in the best interests of Kansas higher education. Therefore, I am resigning as a member of the Kansas Board of Regents."

Sherrer left the board's monthly meeting after announcing his resignation. His term was due to expire June 30. He was appointed to the board in 2007 by Sebelius.

Ed McKechnie, vice chairman of the Board of Regents, said in a statement board members appreciated Sherrer's service to the state's higher education system.

"He accomplished much during his term on the board and it's safe to say he leaves the system in better shape than he found it," said McKechnie, of Arcadia. "He's been a friend and we wish him well."

Sherrer's replacement on the board will be appointed by Republican Gov. Sam Brownback.

The state board has jurisdiction over the six state universities, including Kansas State University and The University of Kansas; the community colleges; technical schools; and Washburn University.

Sherrer said his tenure on the board had been marked with a series of accomplishments, including development of a strategic plan for the higher education system through 2020.

He chaired two task forces that studied student admission standards and contributed to raising of those qualifications for students. Employee background checks were initiated at all state universities during his tenure, while chief executive officers were placed under greater scrutiny when hired.

Sherrer was the state's 45th lieutenant governor. He was appointed to the position by Gov. Bill Graves, a Republican, in 1996. He remained in that role until 2003.

He also served as secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce from 1995 to 2002.

Sherrer was a former public school teacher, but he spent much of his professional life in the banking industry.